Thomas’ Friday nights are really special
All Larkin Thomas does is produce. The junior quarterback led the Tippecanoe football team to the Miami Valley League championship last season with an unbeaten league record, and a trip to the second round of the playoffs. Now for the standout signal-caller, it is time to take his game to another level. Thomas was touted as the top quarterback in the league as a sophomore, so what more can the junior do behind center for the Red Devils? He says stay tuned. “I look forward to working with some new guys that have had the opportunity to step up this summer and get back out on the field and playing as a team,” Thomas said.
Like any other high school, Tipp lost some outstanding seniors from last year’s squad, including a strong wide receiving core. Thomas, whose name will be plastered all over the school record books when he graduates, will be using the rest of the summer to prepare to step out on the field in August ready to shine and add to his resume. “I have gone to a lot of big prospect exposure camps this summer,” he said. “I have also been training with a few big guys down in Cincinnati, so I have really been taking that training to the next level in preparation for next season.”
With his workouts and training, Thomas will continue to improve as the target grows on the backs of the Red Devils, and he knows all of the Tipp opponents will be aiming for that target this season. “Everyone knows what we are doing, but the good thing about us at Tipp is we do what we do right,” he said. “So it is really hard to stop us no matter if that is their goal or not.”
Every good player strived to get better and never is satisfied. Thomas knows he has improved on parts of his game since their 16-14 loss to St. Marys in the playoffs last season and looks forward to utilizing those improvements heading into Bellbrook week one. He also knows what he has yet to master. “My mental awareness and awareness in the pocket,” Thomas said about what has improved in his game. My speed, velocity and accuracy have gotten way better. Also, my experience heading into my third year.”
“One thing to improve is bouncing back from mistakes and just continuing to learn leadership and get everyone together as a team.” But the first and foremost thing to worry about is to repeat in the MVL. Thomas feels even with new faces in the starting lineup on Friday nights, their goal remains the same. “My expectations are high because these new guys coming in have also been backups last year, so they have some experience,” he said. “I am excited to see what they do, so far in the offseason they have really stepped up.”
